DIY Tips for Building a Solid Farm Shed

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Building a New Home

If you plan to build a new home, you will no doubt have lots of questions about how best to proceed. I am here to help you to understand the different things you need to consider when planning and constructing a new property. I don't work in the construction industry but last year, I successfully built a new property using a team of construction contractors. The contractors were real professionals who worked quickly and to a very high standard. They were very kind to me and took the time to explain exactly what they were doing at each stage of the construction job.

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DIY Tips for Building a Solid Farm Shed

26 October 2018
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog


If you are a DIY enthusiast, you have probably considered constructing a shed on your own, since they do not require complex floor plans. Nevertheless, few people put much thought into building a durable shed. Instead, they focus more on getting the structure erected. Below are some tips that you can use for DIY construction of a durable farm shed.

A solid foundation is important

A mistake some amateur DIY enthusiasts make is not taking the time to create a foundation for their shed. This is especially true if they are using the shed as a workshop. To cut costs, some homeowners may simply have the dirt act as the floor. The reality is that without a solid foundation base, your shed will not be level, and this can considerably disrupt its stability, making it susceptible to toppling over.

Before constructing the shed, measure out the area where you would like to locate and create a foundation for this space. This base can be made of concrete blocks, or you could choose to use timber that has been pressure treated to protect it from moisture damage from the earth.

Another thing to keep in mind when choosing the location of the shed is to avoid any wet and low-lying areas of your yard. For instance, you would be best advised to steer clear from any areas that will experience rainwater runoff, as this could eventually cause the foundation to deteriorate.

Ensure the shed has sufficient air circulation

Another often-overlooked aspect of shed construction is the air circulation in and around the structure. If you are building your shed using timber products, you need to keep in mind that moisture is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to the deterioration of your structure.

Constant exposure to moisture will cause the wood materials of the shed to warp, crack and even rot. In some cases, you will find that mould and mildew will also begin to grow in your shed, which is a health hazard. If you are using wood, ensure that the shed is raised from the ground; this will limit its exposure to moisture from the soil.

Another thing to ensure is that there is adequate space around the perimeter of the shed. Do not erect it in close proximity to trees or shrubbery. Firstly, the trees and shrubbery will drip moisture onto your shed, leading to premature ageing. Secondly, the trees and shrubbery will block sunlight and the wind from reaching your shed, which decreases its ability to dry out.